Canadian intermodal volume growth continues to outpace U.S. intermodal traffic gains, potentially reflecting shippers’ diverting of shipments to western Canadian ports to avoid potential U.S. West Coast labor disruptions.

This week’s intermodal volume was a record high for U.S. railroads, breaking the previous record set the week before, according to the Association of American Railroads, again signaling that the peak season is revving up for intermodal shippers as the ocean peak subsides.

A Senate committee on Wednesday approved legislation that would push the U.S. rail regulatory agency to more quickly address major issues between railroads and some carload shippers, but its prospects for passage are unclear

U.S. railroads came under heavy criticism at a Senate committee hearing on Wednesday following months of delays tied to the recent harsh winter and improving economy which has impacted grain and intermodal shippers